To the editor,

I liked the article in the Great Bend Tribune “The Bounty of Fall” (Sunday, Oct. 3, Great Bend Tribune). That article cited the harvest bounties from the 1860s, to the  Great Depression-era 1930s to 1955 to today. Indeed, we all need to appreciate Almighty God’s blessings upon our land. However, we have a bounty that often is taken for granted: Our good health.

Only a few people know, I’ve been having a flare-up of a neurologic illness caused by past head injuries. Just days ago, I was at my doctor’s office and met a gentleman (a fellow patient) who said the very same thing. I have sought prayers from anyone. I’ve had Methodist ministers and Catholic priests praying for me. Several days ago, in the postal mail, I received an airmail letter from the Vatican, from Fernando Cardinal Filoni, head of the papal Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. I appreciated him saying: “...be assured of my prayers for your health.” Further, he offered his blessings for all my family.

I’ve had several doctors and nurses in the family (past and present). I am grateful for advances of modern medicine (and want to retain the technology); yet I often wish that medicine could regain more focus on the once closer doctor-patient relationship it once had. That precious bounty is a blessing we should always “give thanks to God” for. Good health is fleeting. Treasure it while it lasts. 

James A. Marples

Esbon